Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 9
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
यत्र विद्रुमसोपाना महामारकता भुव: । यत्र स्फाटिककुड्यानि वैदूर्यस्तम्भपङ्क्तय: ॥ ९ ॥ यत्र चित्रवितानानि पद्मरागासनानि च । पय:फेननिभा: शय्या मुक्तादामपरिच्छदा: ॥ १० ॥ कूजद्भिर्नूपुरैर्देव्य: शब्दयन्त्य इतस्तत: । रत्नस्थलीषु पश्यन्ति सुदती: सुन्दरं मुखम् ॥ ११ ॥ तस्मिन्महेन्द्रभवने महाबलो महामना निर्जितलोक एकराट् । रेमेऽभिवन्द्याङ्घ्रियुग: सुरादिभि: प्रतापितैरूर्जितचण्डशासन: ॥ १२ ॥
yatra vidruma-sopānā mahā-mārakatā bhuvaḥ yatra sphāṭika-kuḍyāni vaidūrya-stambha-paṅktayaḥ
Dans le palais d’Indra, les marches étaient de corail, le sol incrusté d’émeraudes inestimables, les murs de cristal et les colonnes alignées de pierre vaidūrya. De merveilleux dais étaient ornés, les sièges sertis de rubis; les lits de soie, blancs comme l’écume, étaient parés de guirlandes de perles. Les dames du palais, aux dents et aux visages ravissants, allaient et venaient au tintement de leurs bracelets de cheville, et voyaient leur reflet sur les gemmes du sol. Mais les devas, accablés, durent se prosterner aux pieds d’Hiraṇyakaśipu, qui régnait par un châtiment impitoyable; ainsi il demeura là et gouverna tous avec dureté.
Hiraṇyakaśipu was so powerful in the heavenly planets that all the demigods except Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva and Lord Viṣṇu were forced to engage in his service. Indeed, they were afraid of being severely punished if they disobeyed him. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī has compared Hiraṇyakaśipu to Mahārāja Vena, who was also atheistic and scornful of the ritualistic ceremonies mentioned in the Vedas. Yet Mahārāja Vena was afraid of some of the great sages such as Bhṛgu, whereas Hiraṇyakaśipu ruled in such a way that everyone feared him but Lord Viṣṇu, Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva. Hiraṇyakaśipu was so alert against being burnt to ashes by the anger of great sages like Bhṛgu that by dint of austerity he surpassed their power and placed even them under his subordination. It appears that even in the higher planetary systems, to which people are promoted by pious activities, disturbances are created by asuras like Hiraṇyakaśipu. No one in the three worlds can live in peace and prosperity without disturbance.
FAQs
It describes extraordinary, jewel-built opulence—coral stairways, emerald floors, crystal walls, and gem pillars—highlighting the height of material splendor in his rule.
To set the scene of Hiraṇyakaśipu’s immense worldly power and luxury, which contrasts with the coming supremacy of devotion and the Lord’s protection of His devotee.
Material success can be impressive, but it is temporary; use prosperity without pride and keep devotion and humility as the real foundation.